Rachael Yamagata (born September 23, 1977) is a singer-songwriter. She plays piano and has a dark, smokey alto, garnering frequent comparisons to Fiona Apple. Her first full-length album, Happenstance, was released on June 8, 2004.

Yamagata became the vocalist for the Chicago funk-fusion band Bumpus, spending six years with them while writing and recording three albums and touring the country. However, she began to write songs which took on a style that conflicted with the funk vision of the band. In 2001, Yamagata decided to take those songs and pursue a solo career. In September 2002, she landed a two-record deal with Arista’s Private Music label, and her EP was released in October.

She also made an appearance in Jason Mraz’s second album, singing a song with him called Did You Get My Message?

She also teamed with with Toots and The Maytals to sing Blame On Me.

She also worked with Ryan Adams & The Cardinals on their first album Cold Roses. On that ... read more »